Egypt's Prosecution refers senior customs official and six others to trial for bribery

CAIRO – 10 January 2024: The Public Prosecution has referred the general director of customs affairs and deposits at the Egyptian Customs Authority, along with six others, to trial on charges of bribery, as reported by the state news agency MENA on Wednesday.

The accused individuals will face trial for allegedly soliciting and accepting money as bribes in exchange for breaching their duties. Among those charged is an employee from the illicit gains administration of the Ministry of Justice.

According to the prosecution's investigations, the customs official is alleged to have accepted bribes totaling LE 1.891 million to facilitate procedures related to customs consignments, while turning a blind eye to any violations.

Moreover, the illicit gains employee purportedly accepted a bribe of 100,000 to disclose confidential information regarding ongoing investigations within their administration.

Egypt has been steadfast in its efforts to combat corruption, resulting in numerous individuals being held accountable for accepting bribes and engaging in other forms of graft.

Under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Egypt has launched the third phase of its National Strategy to Combat Corruption (2023 – 2030). This phase not only focuses on combating various forms of corruption but also aims to promote human rights, particularly the right to development.